On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Spicynodes.org is a website that allows you to create radial maps, a form of mind mapping. You can present information in small chunks and it is best to show relationships between pieces of information. Radial maps are also great for brainstorming. A main idea, question, or concept goes in the center, and other ideas branch off the center to create "nodes." Those new nodes can then become the base for other nodes to branch off of. The site calls them "spicy" because it's a fun, new way to present information. As a reader, it breaks up information into more easily digestible, visual chunks rather a long, solid text.
Spicynodes can be used for students of all ages. Elementary students may need some more assistance but the concept is readily accessible to all. The website was created by the Institute for Dynamic Education Advancement, so it is definitely teacher and school friendly, with no ads. There is a free individual membership that allows you to use Spicynodes however you wish, as well as two paid subscription options. The paid subscriptions offer more design options, more views, and the ability to hide the Spicynodes logo. There are sample lesson plans in many subjects to show how teachers can use Spicynodes in their classroom. There are even tips on how to assess a nodemap created by a student. The makers of the site also encourages teachers who currently use Spicynodes to share how their tips and reflections.
Once you create a node, you can publish it, email others a link to it, or embed it into your own blog, website, Facebook, etc. Currently, it doesn't seem to have a way for 2 or more people to collaborate on creating a node together (or at least, I have not discovered it yet).
Educational Uses of Site
Spicynodes is a form of mind mapping. Mind mapping is a great tool for the classroom. For instance, I have used mind mapping when I taught Kylene Beers' Notice and Note 6 signposts. They are reading strategies that students use to increase comprehension. For example, one signpost is contrast and contradictions. Hypothetically, if a character does something out of character for him or her then it's a contrast and contradiction, and students have to assess why and analyze character motivations. They're actually really good reading strategies. Anyway, I used to get large sheets of paper and draw 6 nodes branching from the center and have students take notes on which signpost they found in their reading, and we'd discuss its significance. Now, I'm excited to use Spicynodes to do it electronically. I would be able to save it and post it to my class page or send the link to the students so they can see and review our class notes at any time.
Review of Site I personally like the site. It is clean, with no ads, and user-friendly. It has a lot of good suggestions and ideas for teachers. Just like how prezi became a new way to do presentations with how it can "move" from slide to slide, Spicynodes "moves" from nodes to nodes. It adds visual interest and makes things fresh for students and teachers. You can really customize your mind maps with the various skins, colors, and fonts. I think students who learn visually, auditorily, and spatially will benefit. Visual is a given; Spicynodes will speak the contents aloud for auditory learners; and spatial students will be able to see how ideas connect to one another.
Unit 6.2A Assignment
On the class wiki site, post your favorite new Web 2.0 tool that has not been covered in detail in this class that you have discovered in this course or elsewhere. List the URL, what the tool is, and why you find it useful using the wiki template page. No duplication allowed-each page must be an original new tool. This can be done after reviewing the Unit 9 material, which covers more Web 2.0 resources.
Student Name:
Phuong HuynhTitle of Site:
SpicynodesURL:
http://www.spicynodes.org/index.htmlDescription of Site:
Spicynodes.org is a website that allows you to create radial maps, a form of mind mapping. You can present information in small chunks and it is best to show relationships between pieces of information. Radial maps are also great for brainstorming. A main idea, question, or concept goes in the center, and other ideas branch off the center to create "nodes." Those new nodes can then become the base for other nodes to branch off of. The site calls them "spicy" because it's a fun, new way to present information. As a reader, it breaks up information into more easily digestible, visual chunks rather a long, solid text.Spicynodes can be used for students of all ages. Elementary students may need some more assistance but the concept is readily accessible to all. The website was created by the Institute for Dynamic Education Advancement, so it is definitely teacher and school friendly, with no ads. There is a free individual membership that allows you to use Spicynodes however you wish, as well as two paid subscription options. The paid subscriptions offer more design options, more views, and the ability to hide the Spicynodes logo. There are sample lesson plans in many subjects to show how teachers can use Spicynodes in their classroom. There are even tips on how to assess a nodemap created by a student. The makers of the site also encourages teachers who currently use Spicynodes to share how their tips and reflections.
Once you create a node, you can publish it, email others a link to it, or embed it into your own blog, website, Facebook, etc. Currently, it doesn't seem to have a way for 2 or more people to collaborate on creating a node together (or at least, I have not discovered it yet).
Educational Uses of Site
Spicynodes is a form of mind mapping. Mind mapping is a great tool for the classroom. For instance, I have used mind mapping when I taught Kylene Beers' Notice and Note 6 signposts. They are reading strategies that students use to increase comprehension. For example, one signpost is contrast and contradictions. Hypothetically, if a character does something out of character for him or her then it's a contrast and contradiction, and students have to assess why and analyze character motivations. They're actually really good reading strategies. Anyway, I used to get large sheets of paper and draw 6 nodes branching from the center and have students take notes on which signpost they found in their reading, and we'd discuss its significance. Now, I'm excited to use Spicynodes to do it electronically. I would be able to save it and post it to my class page or send the link to the students so they can see and review our class notes at any time.Review of Site
I personally like the site. It is clean, with no ads, and user-friendly. It has a lot of good suggestions and ideas for teachers. Just like how prezi became a new way to do presentations with how it can "move" from slide to slide, Spicynodes "moves" from nodes to nodes. It adds visual interest and makes things fresh for students and teachers. You can really customize your mind maps with the various skins, colors, and fonts. I think students who learn visually, auditorily, and spatially will benefit. Visual is a given; Spicynodes will speak the contents aloud for auditory learners; and spatial students will be able to see how ideas connect to one another.